The Invisible Demigod

Sam - XXIV

We spent almost three days in that wear house, waiting for Nico to be able to walk. In the heat of the moment, we had forgotten the golden hand. We used it, it didn't heal him completely but it helped.

Claire had practically been glued to the GPS. Apparently we still had about three more days of walking before we reach San Francisco, unless we got a car. At first, we were unsuccessful then we found a car rental.

"Who should go in and distract the guy?" Claire asked. I raised my hand and she nodded. "Who'll get him to get the car out?" Nico started to raise his hand, then froze. A soft pink glow was coming from my right.

We all turned to stare at Marry. My mouth fell open. A pink dove was hovering over her head, giving off the pink light.

"What?" Marry asked. I pointed up and she looked. Her mouth fell open as well.

"Well then," Claire said weakly. "I guess that explains why the cyclopses had been so keen to listen at you. Charmspeak." Marry swallowed.

"W-what?" I smiled.

"Charmspeak is a power daughters of Aphrodite have. It makes what they say very compelling and can put people in trances pretty much." Marry nodded.

"Slap yourself twice." she said. It almost seemed like my body was moving by itself as I raised my hand and slapped my self once, then twice. I yelped.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, clutching my burning cheek as a devious smirk spread over Marry's face.

"Oh, I like this." she said. I gulped at the look in her eyes.

"Okay," Nico said. "Then I guess Marry should be the one who asks to see the car and Sam can distract him. I'll stay behind with Claire." He looked at me, then Marry. "Marry, pick us up at the nearest McDonalds." Marry smirked.

"But I want to drive!" I whined. Claire smiled.

"Don't worry, Sam." Claire said. "You can drive after her, but I think Marry has more experience." I pouted.

"My dad's a race car driver," Marry said smugly. "I grew up behind the wheel." I huffed and crossed my arms before following her into the car rental place. I waved over my shoulder at Claire and Nico before turning towards the car rental.

The first thing I noticed was how much the owner liked yellow. It was everywhere, the waiting couches, the counter, the walls. It was that really gross, bright canary yellow. I almost walked back out, yelling "I'm blind!"

Marry walked over to the front counter and I slipped behind the counter while Marry flirted with him. I silently opened the door and slipped into the garage. There were cars everywhere, tires, hubcaps, anything a car might need. I let out a low whistle, they had some nice cars.

I heard the sound of the doorknob turning and I quickly hid behind a blueberry blue car. It looked big enough to hold five people. It's perfect.

I peered over the hood to see Marry looking around, the guy who was behind the counter was dreamily walking after her. I rolled my eyes. Marry glanced over and saw me, she winked before turning to the man.

"What about that one?" She pointed at the blue car and I ducked.

"That's a fine choice, miss." he said, slurring his words slightly. He giggled. "You're very pretty." I snorted quietly.

"Thank you." Marry said. "About the car-" Then I picked up a hubcap and threw it as far away as possible. Marry and the guy jumped.

"What the-?" he muttered. "I'll be right back, sit tight." Marry giggled.

"Of course," she replied. "Hurry back!" I made a disgusted face before pulling the shotgun seat open. I jumped in and Marry slid behind the wheel. "Buckle up and hold onto your butt!"

I clicked the seatbelt in place and Marry slammed her foot on the gas, the keys already in the ignition. The car let out a roar and lurched forwards.

The garage door was thankfully open so we got out pretty easily. I heard the guy shouting and I twisted in my seat to see him standing there with a hubcap in hand, waving it. I snickered before turning back the right way.

We passed a McDonalds and Marry turned sharply and we pulled into the parking lot. I quickly jumped out.

"You drive like a maniac." I told her, slightly carsick. "Do you know any speeds besides a hundred miles per hour?" Marry laughed.

"Of course not," She rolled her eyes. "Hello, race car daddy." she said while pointing at herself.

"Right." I said. "Let's just find Claire and Nico before they get impatient and things happen." Marry snorted.

"Grow up." she muttered as she walking into the fast food place. I smirked.

We walked in to the semi deserted restaurant. Claire and Nico were squeezed in the corner, setting at a two person table. I walked over and pulled a chair away from a different table. I pushed it towards the table and Marry sat down before I could.

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "How gentlemanly." I shot her a glare and she winked. I rolled my eyes and leaned against the booth Claire was sitting in.

"We got the car," I said in a low voice. "We should leave soon before the police show up." Claire and Nico nodded. Claire stood to go order and I sat down in her empty seat. "So," I said, looking up at Nico. "What'd I miss?" Nico shrugged.

"Nothing much," he replied, looking out the window with a bored expression. "We just talked." I shrugged and looked out the window as well. "Is that it?" he asked, pointing at the blue car. I nodded.

"I'm calling it the Blueberry." I snickered and Nico rolled his eyes.

Claire soon came back with a burger each. We grabbed out food and exited the McDonalds, not wanting to spend another minute in there.

Marry got behind the wheel and I sat down in the passenger's seat. Nico got in the back and looked up at Claire, who was standing there.

"Come on, Claire." Nico called. "We have to be going." Claire shook her head.

"I-I c-can't."